Risk, Audits & Investigations Bureau
The Risk, Audits & Investigations Bureau supports the Secretary of State’s commitment to accountability, election integrity, and excellent customer service by providing risk management, audit, and investigative services that strengthen public trust in California’s democratic institutions. The bureau serves Californians by responding to public inquiries and reports of election-related fraud, promoting accountability and compliance with laws and regulations, and managing risk across the organization. The bureau helps ensure public resources are used responsibly, risks are identified and addressed in a timely manner, and allegations of misconduct or election-related violations are investigated thoroughly and fairly. The Bureau consists of the three offices below.
Office of Risk Management
The Office of Risk Management supports the Secretary of State’s commitment to compliance and accountability by identifying and evaluating risks that could affect the Secretary of State’s operations, compliance obligations, or public trust. Through enterprise-wide risk assessments and ongoing mitigation efforts, the office helps leadership prioritize and address risks before they result in harm or noncompliance, including those to be mitigated pursuant to the State Leadership and Accountability Act (Government Code §§13400–13407).
Internal Audit Office
The Internal Audit Office supports the Secretary of State’s commitment to compliance and accountability by providing independent and objective audit services to help strengthen internal controls and operational effectiveness across the Secretary of State’s office. Established pursuant to Government Code §1237, the office conducts audits designed to safeguard state assets, ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policies, strengthen governance and accountability, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
Office of Investigative Services
The Office of Investigative Services supports the Secretary of State’s commitment to transparency, election integrity, and excellent customer service by conducting criminal investigations into alleged election-related fraud or misconduct, as authorized by Government Code §12172.5 and Penal Code §830.3(o). The office responds promptly to public inquiries and reports of misconduct, while effectively managing an inventory of complaints requiring investigation. When appropriate, findings are referred to a county district attorney or the California Attorney General for review and potential prosecution. The office conducts investigations impartially, professionally, and with respect for due process, ensuring California’s election laws are enforced fairly and consistently.
If you’ve received a letter or have been contacted regarding an investigation into alleged election fraud, please contact the Office of Investigative Services directly by telephone at (916) 695-1108, or by email at investigations@sos.ca.gov. Our investigative staff will reply within 24 hours.
To report suspected election fraud or violations of the Elections Code, members of the public and election officials may submit a complaint using the Secretary of State’s official complaint form at http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/publications-and-resources/voter-complaint. Please complete the form and submit it directly to investigations@sos.ca.gov.
